Agricultural News

Mike Engler of Amarillo to Lead Texas Cattle Feeders Association in the Coming Year

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 8:59:50 CST

The Texas Cattle Feeders elected officers, board members and got an update on a variety of issues going in that impact the beef cattle business. New Chairman of the TCFA for the coming year is Mike Engler of Amarillo. Bo Kizziar of Spearman is chairman-elect; and Jim Peters of Quemado is vice chairman. New board members from Oklahoma for the organization include Scott Anderson of Guymon and Bill Roser of Watonga each elected for a one year term- and Chris Hitch of Guymon elected for a three year term. (Pictured here are the three officers for the coming year- Engler, Kizziar and Peters)

In his convention address, Outgoing TCFA Chairman Monte Cluck described being "inspired by the attitudes of the members" that he met with during his visits to more than 60 member feedyards over the previous twelve months.

"Here we are in one of the toughest times ever for our business, and yet no one was ready to quit the fight," Cluck said. "The strength and the will to survive and continue in the beef business are what differentiate us from any other industry, especially from non-agricultural industries."

In saluting cattle feeders' resolve in the face of adversity, Cluck reminded them that the industry has survived many other tough times such as the beef boycott of 1973, "The Wreck" of 1974, the dairy herd buyout in 1986 and the BSE episode of 2003. Cluck believes the industry's ability to fight its way through those earlier ordeals proves that the cattle feeders can always come back, and will do so again, even in the face of a severe recession.

"Overcoming a global economic collapse is a real battle, but we will get through it. Nothing will stop us from bouncing back. Not radical animal rights activists. Not yellow journalism. Not junk science about imaginary threats to the environment. And for darn sure – not socialism," he said. "We will stay on our feet and fight our way back because we are a tough bunch inspired by the generations who came before us."

Cluck is concerned that cattle feeders' recovery from recent heavy financial losses could be hampered by bad ideas coming out of Washington D.C., such as ethanol subsidies, legislation to restrict the use of animal health products, the potential government takeover of health care, the threat of higher taxes and flawed environmental policies. With so many challenges to confront, Cluck said beef producers must maintain a united front. "We must stick together when our industry is threatened. If someone or something is attacking the beef business, that's a threat to all of us – corporates, independents, our vendors, and, yes, even the packers. Let's stay united. We're all in this together."